Best Books for 3rd Graders

Alexandra F.:  Beverly Cleary's wonderful stories have long been a staple in children's book collections, and our home library is no exception. My daughter has devoured most of Beverly Cleary's books, beginning with Beezus and Ramona and all eight books in the Ramona Quimby series, as well as other related stories including Henry Huggins, Ribsy, and Socks.

Vanessa M.:  The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is an award-winning book that is creative, poignant, and smart. Ivan is a silverback gorilla who has spent a solitary life being watched by humans from inside the glass walls of a strip mall zoo. When he is introduced to a baby elephant taken from the wild, an unlikely friendship is kindled. Kids will be touched by Ivan's humor and bravery, and will feel as though they have found a good friend in Ivan.

Alexandra F.:  

If you have any elementary- or middle-school-aged kids, then you are certainly familiar with the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney. The books recount the hilarious stories of a boy trying to make his way through middle school, and transition often between writing and pictures to make them a fun and absorbing read even for those who may not otherwise be drawn to reading.

Erynn:  My kids loved the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne, but while extensive, it's a bit "young" for 3rd grade and up. The Merlin Missions series is the answer to my dilemma! Beginning with Christmas in Camelot, the stories are for experienced readers with plenty more adventuring to be had!

Alexandra F.:  The various Warriors series by Erin Hunter, starting with the book Into The Wild, follow the life of forest cats and their struggle to survive starvation, cold weather, wars between the different cat "Clans" and capture from the "Twolegs" (humans). It is a fun and intriguing read, filled with battle and excitement, though the depictions of violence may be upsetting to younger or more sensitive readers.

Kristy Pepping:  My girls love American Girl books. This series features a different girl based on their popular doll line. Just like the dolls, each girl has a special talent or hobby they like to do. Every book offers a great lesson and a positive story line. Plus, they are all chapter books so great for the next step up in reading. In this story, by Jessie Haas, Saige is a horse loving young girl who is determined to save her school's art class.

Lisa R:  Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery kicks off the Bunnicula and Friends mystery series, by Deborah and James Howe. The stories are headlined by talking pets and a rabbit that may or may not be a vampire. It has just the right amount of suspense and silly humor to keep young readers on the edge of their seats.

Erynn:  As a grownup, I love some James Patterson - and fortunately, he's rolled out some bestsellers for kids, too. Of course, what kid can resist books about robots? My favorite thing about the House of Robots series is the recurring theme of friendship, honesty, and compassion, but my 3rd grader just likes the tech that's the basis of the books - and the crazy twists that happen!

Vanessa M.:  Generations of children have fallen in love with Astrid Lindgren's red-haired, freckle faced Pippi Longstocking, with her upside down braids and her wild sense of adventure. Readers will delight in Pippi's adventures, with her friends Annika and Tommy, and her unusual pets, a horse and monkey. Check out the classic 80s movie, too!

Kristy Pepping:  This year my daughter decided to do a 3rd grade summer reading book club with her friends. They are all reading "The Year of the Dog" by Grace Lin. The book is about Pacy who is Chinese American. She struggles to fit in because she is criticized by classmates. Students tell her she is either "too Chinese" or "too Americanized." Readers will learn some Chinese culture throughout the book and learn lessons about accepting classmates for who they are. The chapters are short and easy points to stop and pick up the book later in the day or the next.